Publishers Clearing House scam reports in Madison County

Madison County, IL (KSDK) -- Police are warning citizens to be aware of their finances after one Illinois resident fell victim to a scam, the Madison County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

Police say on May 21, a victim reported they got a letter in the mail that appeared to be from Publishers Clearing House. The letter stated that the victim had won $650,000 in cash, and instructed the victim to contact the number provided.

When the person called the phone number, they were instructed to mail a check for just under $5,000 to cover the insurance for this prize, which the victim then did.

The Sheriff's Office wants citizens to be aware of scams such as these and stay educated so as to avoid them.

Here are some tips the Sheriff's Office provided so as to help you safeguard your finances:

Do not believe the promise of large sums of money in exchange for your cooperation.